Microsoft to partner with Sky on Xbox One deal? Nope.
The rumor out of the U.K.: Microsoft is courting the satellite broadcaster as part of its efforts to integrate its next Xbox more deeply into the daily entertainment lives of users. But it's not happening.
Microsoft's strategy for its Xbox One console might rely on help from broadcasters, according to a new report.
Microsoft has been in talks with satellite TV broadcaster Sky in the U.K. to bring its Xbox One to the company's customers, MCVUK reported on Thursday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of the deal. It's possible that the Xbox One will be a companion set-top box that sits atop Sky's service, those sources said. The Xbox One could be sold at a heavily reduced cost, according to the site's sources.
However, a Sky representative said the company doesn't have plans to partner with Microsoft on the Xbox One.
"We have no plans to sell Xbox hardware as part of a Sky subscription," the representative told CNET in an e-mailed statement. "We have a longstanding partnership with Microsoft by which we distribute our content via Sky Go and NOW TV on Xbox. We look forward to continuing to work with them as part of our commitment to giving our customers more ways to watch Sky programming in addition to their Sky+ HD box."
The Xbox One was shown off last month. The device will launch later this year and come with a host of entertainment-friendly features, including streaming video from a slew of programmers. Rumors have suggested that Microsoft would like to integrate its next Xbox more deeply into the daily entertainment lives of users, and it's possible it could do that through a partnership with broadcasters.
If Microsoft has designs on partnering with cable and satellite companies, the software giant hasn't said so just yet, and by the look of things, Sky won't be involved, if it does. Still, with E3 right around the corner, it's possible it will announce those partnerships at the event.
Update 9:11 a.m. PT: Adds statement from Sky.